On the Run: The Texas Files ✔

Chapter 33: The Fundraiser From Hell

When I wake up from yet another brief three-hour sleep, I know my nightmares are getting worse.

A few days ago, I came to the realization that my nightmares aren't just dreams, they're visions. I may be predicting my own capture now.

I'm not sure whether or not I should be grateful to know what to expect or be absolutely terrified that if, or when, I'm caught again, the amount of pain I'll go through is indescribable. 

I'm trying my best to keep my head above water with this conclusion, but it's been difficult. I haven't told anyone, including Parker, about this. I don't know how to.

I'm keeping myself distracted, trying not to focus on it so much. It's pretty easy until it's time for bed. 

I haven't been sleeping well, or much, since I figured this out. How can I? Odds are, something horrible will happen to me, and why do that to myself?

I need to figure out how to get better sleep soon because if I don't, I'm going to end up getting in trouble for falling asleep in class or get kicked off the team for poor performance.

Either way, I can't let that happen...

In other news, Noah got a job on the weekends as a mechanic in town. It works out for him because he's excellent with cars, and it brings in a little extra money. He starts this Friday evening. I'm very happy for him.

We start back to school today, and I'm not sure that I'm ready to go back.

~~~

Parker and I are sitting next to each other in physics, cracking jokes while we wait for class to start.

"I can't get over the fact you spent a day with Tyler," he says.

I laugh a little. "I know. It sounds insane, but I actually had a great time."

"And you lived!" he says.

"So, that's what he was like when you two were kids?"

He nods. "I gotta tell ya, sunshine, I didn't think he was ever going to be like he was again. It's like a switch, right? It's almost a miracle to see him like this. I thought I lost him forever."

Poor Parker. He seems so anxious about Tyler. We can't help but think Tyler is up to something, especially with his moods being so extreme lately.

"And you went shopping? For an entire day? Who are you?" he asks jokingly.

I nudge him. "It wasn't the best day I've ever had, but hey, I got this hat out of it," I say as I point to my new Astros hat.

I chose not to tell him about Ben's offer. I don't want him to worry about other guys since Ben plays on the team with me. I think Parker would be uncomfortable leaving me with someone who asked me out like that.

The morning announcements come on after he takes a closer look at my hat.

We stand up and say the pledge of allegiance and have a moment of silence, which is basically the public school's version of the prayer for the day.

After sitting down, our principle introduces the baseball team's captain.

Oh, shit. What could he possibly want to tell the entire school?

In the seconds Tyler clears his throat,  I go through things in my mind that could make my life worse. 

He could announce to the entire school that I'm seducing Parker. He won't say that it's his master plan, and no one would think it was. His story wouldn't be that he wants me to do it, but it's because I'm a terrible person, and Parker really means nothing to me. Even though, that's the opposite of what's really going on.